We start from your discharge plan
We read your discharge summary, exercise sheet and precautions, then check how you're doing each exercise.
Physio and exercise after joint replacement in Sydney
Home rehab after a hip or knee replacement
A physiotherapist comes to you to practise walking, stairs and getting in and out of bed or the car.
Getting home from hospital is a relief. The exercises, precautions and walking frame can still feel like a lot to manage. Our physiotherapists visit you and work through the plan from your surgeon and hospital, one step at a time.
Later, an exercise physiologist can help you keep building strength for the things you want to get back to. Use Support at Home funding if it applies, or see us privately.
A free 15-minute phone call about your recovery and whether your funding may cover sessions.
Your surgeon's plan comes first
We follow your surgical team's protocol and precautions, and work within them.
130+ families
More than 130 families across Sydney have worked with our physiotherapists and exercise physiologists.
Rehab where you live
We bring the equipment to you, so you don't need a car trip while getting in and out of the car is still hard.
Home physiotherapy for daily moves after surgery
The first weeks at home are about the everyday moves that help your day run. We practise with your bed, chairs and steps, so the exercises relate to your home.
Bed, chair and car
Practise getting in and out of bed, standing from your favourite chair and getting into the passenger seat, within your precautions.
Walking and walking aids
Walk safely with your frame or crutches. Move to a stick or beyond only when your surgical team says it's time.
Stairs and steps
Learn how to use the stairs or front steps with your rail and walking aid, then build the strength to manage them more easily.
How physio follows your surgeon's plan
Your surgeon and hospital team know your operation best. We help you follow their plan at home, check how you're going and work towards the goals that matter to you.
Progress at the pace you're cleared for
We build exercises and walking distance within your weight-bearing and movement instructions, never ahead of them.
Practice in your own house
We look at your bed, chairs, bathroom and steps, then practise the movements you need in those spaces.
Strength for the long run
Recovery can continue for months. Once early rehab is done, an exercise physiologist can keep working with you on leg strength, balance and fitness.
Worries you may have after a hip or knee replacement
It can feel uncertain when you first get home. Here are some worries we hear, and how we work with you.
"I'm scared I'll damage the new joint"
That's a common fear. We'll explain your precautions in plain language, show you how to do each movement and progress only within what your surgical team has cleared.
"The hospital already gave me exercises"
Good. We'll use them. We can check your technique, help fit them into your day and update them in line with your surgical team's plan as you recover.
"I can't get to a clinic yet"
We'll come to you. You don't have to manage the car, the walk from the car park or a waiting room while you're still finding your feet.
"My family can't be here every day"
We'll show you and anyone helping how to practise safely between visits, and what to look out for. With your permission, we'll keep your family updated.
Your home rehab plan in 3 steps
We check how you're going since surgery, talk about what you'd like to get back to and work through your rehab plan with you at each visit, within your surgical team's instructions.
Share your surgery and discharge plan
Tell us which joint was replaced, when you had surgery and what the hospital sent home with you. We check how you're walking, moving and managing at home.
Work through rehab at home
Your physio guides the exercises, walking and daily movements set by your surgical team. We build on them as you're cleared to do more.
Build towards the activities you enjoy
As you get stronger, we can work towards your goals, such as walking to the shops, gardening or time with the grandkids. An exercise physiologist can support your ongoing strength work.
Safety after surgery and when to call your team
We follow your surgeon's and hospital's protocol; we don't replace it. Your surgical team and GP stay in charge of your recovery. With your permission, we'll contact them if something doesn't look right.
If your calf becomes red, swollen or painful, or you're short of breath or have chest pain, go straight to the emergency department or call 000. Contact your surgical team or GP about any change in the wound, a fever, or pain and swelling that's getting worse. Before you start with us, it helps to share:
Your operation date, which joint and your surgeon's details- Your discharge summary and the exercise sheet the hospital gave you
- Any movement precautions and how much weight you can put through the leg
- Your medicines, including blood thinners and pain relief
- The walking aids and equipment you're using at home
- Dates of your follow-up appointments with the surgeon
Home rehab experience across Sydney
Drift Health has worked across Sydney for more than 8 years. More than 130 families have trusted our physiotherapists and exercise physiologists with their goals.
After joint replacement, it helps to have someone check your exercises, keep progress within your surgeon's plan and agree on a goal for when the early weeks are over.
Physio visits across Sydney after joint replacement
We visit at home while getting out is hard. Later, we can move to a nearby park if you'd like to practise walking outside. Tell us your suburb and when you're due home from hospital.
South West Sydney
Liverpool, Fairfield, Campbelltown and surrounding suburbs
Western Sydney
Blacktown, Parramatta, Penrith and surrounding suburbs
Inner West
Ashfield, Marrickville, Burwood and surrounding suburbs
CBD & inner city
Sydney CBD and nearby suburbs
The Hills & North West
Castle Hill, Kellyville and surrounding suburbs
South Sydney
Miranda, Cronulla, Sutherland and surrounding suburbs
A note from Victor
Strength for the life you want with your new joint
I'm Victor, Director and Head Exercise Physiologist at Drift Health. Our physiotherapists lead early rehab after surgery and follow your surgical team's plan. After that phase, an exercise physiologist can work with you on strength and fitness for the things you enjoy.
We start by asking what you'd like to get back to. It might be the walk to the shops, gardening or getting down on the floor with the grandkids. If your family is helping you recover, they're welcome to join the conversation.
Support at Home for physio after surgery
Physiotherapy and exercise physiology are on the Support at Home list of allied health services. What's available depends on your aged care assessment and budget. You don't need a GP referral to see us.
No contribution for clinical supports
Allied health is a clinical support. The government pays its full price, so you don't pay a contribution for it. Sessions still come from your budget, and your provider confirms how they fit.
You keep your provider
You stay with your current Support at Home provider. We ask them to bring Drift Health in as an associated provider. It's their decision, and we'll let you know what they say.
Not on Support at Home?
You can see us privately while you recover. To apply for Support at Home, you'll need an aged care assessment through My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.
On the NDIS? If you joined before turning 65, you may be able to use your funding with us if your plan is self-managed or plan-managed.
How NDIS funding works with Drift HealthMeet your home rehab team
Our physiotherapists lead rehab after joint replacement. Later, our exercise physiologists can work with you on strength and fitness. We'll match you with someone who suits your recovery and area.
Joey
Physiotherapist
Lucas
Physiotherapist
Victor
Director & Head Exercise Physiologist
Jennifer
Exercise Physiologist
Michel
Exercise Physiologist
Conan
Exercise Physiologist
Tony
Exercise Physiologist
Laura
Exercise Physiologist
Questions about hip or knee replacement rehab
How soon after I get home can sessions start?
Most people can start within 7 days. We reply to enquiries within 2 business days. Your surgical team decides when home rehab should begin and what it should include, so we'll ask what they've recommended.
Will you follow the exercises the hospital gave me?
Yes. We'll work from your discharge plan, exercise sheet and precautions, and progress only within what your surgeon and hospital have cleared. We don't replace their instructions.
Is this physiotherapy or exercise physiology?
Both, at different stages. A physiotherapist leads early rehab after surgery. Once that phase is done, an exercise physiologist can help you keep building strength, balance and fitness for activities you enjoy.
What if my calf becomes sore or swollen?
Go straight to the emergency department, or call 000 if you're short of breath or have chest pain. These can be signs of a blood clot. For wound changes, a fever, or worsening pain and swelling, contact your surgical team or GP.
Can Support at Home pay for physio after my operation?
Yes, if it's included in what's available through your assessment and budget. You don't pay a contribution for clinical supports. Support at Home also has a short-term Restorative Care Pathway for allied health to help regain function. Ask My Aged Care or your provider whether it applies to you.
Do I need a referral from my surgeon or GP?
No referral is needed. We do ask for your discharge summary and any precautions so we can follow your surgical team's plan.
More help with strength and balance at home
You may also be managing arthritis in other joints or worrying about falls. These pages explain the support we offer for those concerns.
Talk with us about home rehab after surgery
Tell us about your operation, when you're home and what you'd like to get back to. We'll talk through home physio and whether your funding may cover it.
- Talk through walking, stairs and getting in and out of the car
- Ask how we follow your surgeon's protocol and precautions
- Find out how Support at Home or private sessions may work for you
A free 15-minute phone call about your recovery and whether your funding may cover sessions.